Free A Wanton Tale by Paula Marie Kenny Page B

wife spent the rest of the morning barely exchanging a word.
    To placate Bertie, Sophie had taken a detour through Vale Park on their way to the fair. He was particularly drawn to the unusual flowers. However, Sophie was looking for excitement. ‘Come on slow coach, maybe we will go on the caterpillar today! Now hurry!’
    â€˜I want to go on a donkey ride instead.’ Said Bertie as he pointed to a group of children on the beach. He stood watching them being helped onto the backs of the willing animals.
    â€˜You’re not going on those stinking things.’ Petulant and determined, she was heading for the novelty rides but Sophie had to drag him along.
    An attraction in itself, the welcoming sound of the fairground pipe organ was beckoning. As they came closer to the fair Sophie began to catch sight of the ornate facade, floridly decorated. The unique sound, blaring out popular tunes, could be heard above the noise of the bustling crowds and the fairground machinery.
    Sophie imagined the music reaching the day trippers leaving the ferry. Hoards of children were running excitedly down the gangway ahead of their parents whilst trying to hold on to their straw hats, lifting in the breeze. They had travelled across the water from Liverpool and were looking forward to a great day out. Their eager faces were a picture of innocence as they clutched their buckets and spades. The fair was only part of the panorama of seaside attractions on offer in New Brighton. Children could make sandcastles whilst watching beach entertainers and Punch and Judy shows.
    Bertie started to warm to the idea of the fair. He was pointing to one of his favourite games, he was convinced he would win every time. ‘Let’s play ‘Roll a Penny’ first.’
    â€˜Not with my pennies, you’re not, lose your own, it’s either rigged or impossible to win, dopey.’ Said Sophie wrinkling up her nose.
    â€˜It’s not your money, Ma gave it to you to keep safe for both of us and I want to play. Just once. Please.’ He wheedled.
    Reluctantly, Sophie handed over a penny. He carefully rolled it down the fluted slope towards a grid of small squares. Each square had a number painted onto it, the sum that could be won if the penny landed in it. His eyes were fixed on the rolling penny, inevitably it didn’t land fully inside the square. Sophie’s eyes rolled to the heavens when she saw the crestfallen look on her brother’s face.
    To pacify Bertie who now looked rather sullen, she assured him that he would soon be fed, so he bucked up immediately.
    â€˜You lost, now watch me on this one.’ Bertie followed his sister through the bustling crowds towards another stall. There was an array of prizes displayed at the rear including teddy bears and china ornaments. Sophie had her eye on a china black cat. It cost tuppence to play the game that was called ‘Bunty Pulls The String.’ The stallholder smiled as she presented her with a multitude of strings suspended from the stall roof. Some, but not all of the strings, were attached to a prize by means of a small overhead pulley wheel.
    Sophie grasped the strings confidently and gave Bertie a smug look. Unperturbed by a crowd of watching fairgoers, she fell deep in concentration. She shut out all the noise and distraction as she studied the strings. Her sharp green eyes focussed on the prize of her choice, her steady hand sought one string only. She remained unusually calm as she lifted the prize she had chosen. There were cheers of delight from the bystanders. His sister’s success even animated Bertie.
    â€˜Well done love and good luck to you, black cats are lucky!’ Called the chubby stallholder in a booming voice, making sure passers-by and beyond could hear her. The delighted show lady knew that a prize winner would attract more custom and she liked to make a big noise about it. Sophie beamed with pride as she took her little cat and